Peace’s Journey with The Salvation Army Leads to Tending Garden That Grows Hope Year-Round

After arriving in Canada from Nigeria in 2016 for a better life for her children, Peace struggled to make ends meet as the high cost of living and the need to provide nutritious meals for her large family often left her feeling overwhelmed.

Seeking help, Peace discovered Agincourt Community Church in 2018 through a friend’s recommendation of their community food bank services.

“I was finding it difficult going to the store to afford groceries. At that point, I didn’t have a job,” Peace recalls. “I came and they gave me food to take home.”

For three years. Peace needed help from The Salvation Army to put enough food on her family’s table, and she still occasionally seeks support from the food bank. During that time, Peace became an active church member and a dedicated volunteer with the Agincourt Agape Garden, part of the Fresh Year-Round garden program. This initiative combines a large traditional outdoor garden with an indoor hydroponic system, allowing fresh, nutritious vegetables to grow 365 days a year.

Fresh Food for the Most Vulnerable

“We want to provide those we serve with the freshest, healthiest produce because many families struggle to afford nutritious meals,” says Amy Wilson, Agape program lead.

“This garden is a testament to the power of community, bringing together individuals of all ages and backgrounds to improve the lives of people in the neighbourhood.”

This year, a bountiful harvest of carrots, peas, green beans, bok choy, broccoli, tomatoes, strawberries, and red peppers is expected, nourishing both body and soul. Last winter, kale, lettuce, tomatoes, strawberries, and parsley were harvested from the indoor hydroponic system.

Each month, 400 families visit the Agincourt Community Church food bank for assistance as high food costs force many into precarious situations to decide whether to pay for housing or put food on the table. The number of families seeking help continues to rise, says corps officer Captain Scott Allen.

“Each family ranges from two people to 16 people so there are thousands of individuals who are receiving food in Agincourt,” Captain Allen says. “Through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers, we continue to provide essential food and support to those in need in our community.”

Green Thumbs Needed

To help with the sustainability of the garden’s far-reaching impact of helping struggling families with nutritious food, more volunteers like Peace are needed to contribute by planting and tending to vegetables, pulling weeds, and watering to ensure a successful growing season.

Irene Stickland is one of those passionate volunteers who enjoys giving back to the community.

“This project is a perfect fit to do something I love, help others, and get wonderful produce for the food bank. Sharing good food and working together with volunteers transforms our community and makes the world a better place,” Irene says.

To volunteer and bring fresh, healthy vegetables to families in need, please email Amy.Wilson@salvationarmy.ca. Your donations help The Salvation Army bring hope where there is hardship across Ontario. Contribute today at www.salvationarmy.ca.